Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Vietnam and South Korea in the third week of May to bolster defence cooperation and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. In Vietnam, discussions will likely focus on enhancing coastal defence capabilities, with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system being a key topic, as Vietnam seeks to strengthen its maritime posture amid tensions in the South China Sea. The recent visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India highlighted the potential for deeper defence industrial collaboration, particularly in missile systems.

In South Korea, the talks will center around defence manufacturing and shipbuilding technology, with Indian officials aiming to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity through partnerships with leading South Korean firms. The K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery system, produced in India through collaboration with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, exemplifies the successful defence technology transfer between the two nations. Overall, Singh's visit underscores India's strategic focus on defence diplomacy and industrial partnerships in East and Southeast Asia, aiming to reinforce maritime security and supply chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific.